Mac and Merc Boosted

POWER INCREASES ANNOUNCED FOR MP4-12C AND SLS

McLaren and Mercedes have both announced upgrades for their junior supercars, including power increases.

The 2013-spec MP4-12C sees its output boosted by 24bhp to 616bhp, with existing cars getting the same upgrade as a sofware update. Together with some gearbox tweaks, it's enough to trim 0.1sec from the official 0-12mph time - which falls to 8.8sec. Well, every little helps. Other tweaks include more engine noise in the cabin and proper release buttons for the upward-hinging doors in place of the previous touch sensors, which often failed to work. Another useful option is a vehicle lift function to help clear speed-bumps. The basic price rises from £168,500 to £176,000.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has revealed a 'GT' pack for the SLS coupe, with power increased by 20bhp(rising to 583bhp) and with the gearbox reprogrammed to deliver faster shifts. Together they're said to cut the 0-62mph time by a tenth of a second, dropping it to 3.7sec. The GT also gets revised suspension, which offers only the firmer 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' settings and scraps the 'Comfort' mode of the standard SLS. Prices haven't been announced yet but the GT will be certain to carry a supplement over the standard SLS coupe.